(2)A Sincere Confession Pt. 2 • 2 Cor 2:1-11

Review & Overview

1. Previous Study’s Review

Last time we began the section titled “A Sincere Confession”. This is where Paul gives an explanation for:

His change of plans

The philosophy for ministry

and his exhortation in light of ministry

We will be in this section all the till Ch. 7

We learned last week that apparently some of the Corinthians were accusing Paul of lying when he did not visit them as promised.

So Paul explained to them why the plans changed and it involved 2 things:

Tribulation Vs. 8-11

Truthfulness Vs. 12-24

Tribulation - Paul told them I do not want you to be ignorant of the trouble that came to him.

It was a burden that was beyond measure and above strength. So bad that they were forced to trust in God, becaus6 e they thought they were going to die.   

But God delivered them and He delivers us too. This situation influenced the change of plans.

Truthfulness - Then Paul said listen! when I was with you I was not a hypocrite and I am not being a hypocrite now.

2. Current Study’s Overview

This brings us to chp. 2 & our study for today as we continue this section called “A Sincere Confession” Read...

As you can see in our quick reading of today’s scripture Paul continues to explain his change of plans as well as his appeal to forgive the man who was caught up in sin from 1 Cor 5.

We’re going to look at 5 things in light of Paul’s Explanation...

1. Paul’s Change of Plans Involves Sorrow Vs. 1-3

Sorrow:  lupe, 16, 4 times in these 3 vs...  heaviness, burden, grief ...         

1.1 Paul’s Desire To Not Burden Vs. 1

This could be referring to Paul’s 2nd trip to Corinth during his 3rd missionary journey, (not recorded). 

Paul didn’t want to put heaviness on them or to be a burden to them... because he had concern for them.

In Matt.23:4 Jesus rebuked the religious leaders for putting heavy burdens on men that were hard to bear.

Matthew 23:4 NKJV

4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

APPLICATION: Point:     if we are truly Concerned for Others...       we won’t put a Burden on Others...

this is illustrated by way of contrast in vs.2 & vs.3...

1.2 In The Negative Vs. 2

If I cause you sorrow who’s going to make me glad... not you, because you’re sorrowful.

When we burden down people...   &     put a heavy load on people...    it will result in sorrow...

1.3 In The Positive Vs. 3

Our actions toward others can effect them in a negative way...   or   a positive way...

APPLICATION: Hopefully our concern for others is such that what we say & what we do will bring Joy not Sorrow...    Peace not Turmoil...              Rest not Burdens...

2.  Paul’s Change of Plans Involves Love Vs. 4    

Paul didn’t want to write that 2nd letter called the severe letter, a letter we do not have, but out of affliction & anguish he did...          

why,      because he Loved them...

APPLICATION: If we truly love someone we’ll tell them the truth...    

Ephesians 4:15 (NKJV)

15 but, speaking the truth in love...

Proverbs 27:6 (NKJV)

6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend...

APPLICATION: Love is why we discipline children...     

Hebrews 12:6 NKJV

6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”

Proverbs 13:24 NKJV

24 He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.

1. Sorrow   2. Love   3. Restoration vs.5-8   3 things:

3. Paul’s Change of Plans Involves Restoration Vs. 5-8

3.1 The Person Vs. 5

Paul is probably talking about the person from 1 Cor.5:, the man involved in that incestuous relationship.

And because of his sin he brought grief to the church in Corinth...   

but    as we saw in 1 Cor.5: not everyone was grieved, in fact some many simply accepted...    &   didn’t think that it was too severe... 

3.2 The Punishment Vs. 6 

Punishment:  only used here,   it speaks of an official legal penalty... 

So according to Paul’s severe letter they punished the man in sin...   great...   right on...  good job...

But enough is enough...       it’s sufficient...      no more punishment...

APPLICATION: If we’re truly concerned for others we will implement church discipline as outlined in Matt.18:15-17.

But we’ll also understand that enough is enough...  remembering 1 Cor.6:11 but such were some of you...  

1 Corinthians 6:9–10 NKJV

9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 6:11 NKJV

11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

3.3 The Pardon Vs. 7-8 (Forgiveness will bring Comfort)    

APPLICATION: One reason we find it hard to forgive others is because we think that their sin is against us...

But all sin is against God, 1 John 3:4...     Gen.39:9 Joseph...    Psl.51:4 David...

1 John 3:4 NKJV

4 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.

Genesis 39:9 NKJV

9 There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”

Psalm 51:4 NKJV

4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.

What if they don’t ask for forgiveness, Luke 23:34 Jesus cross...

Luke 23:34 NKJV

34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.

what if they keep on doing it, Matt.18:22 70x7

Matthew 18:22 NKJV

22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Yes there is Punishment...   but   there’s also Pardon...    &    that should bring Restoration...

Galatians 6:1 NKJV

1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

4. Paul’s Change of Plans Involves Testing Vs. 9-11 

Paul was testing the Corinthians in 2 ways:

4.1 In What he Wrote Vs. 9

They obeyed Paul’s writings in disciplining this man...  but  will they obey Paul’s writings to restore him?

Because know it’s easy for us to implement discipline & punishment...    for 2 reasons: 

1. Because the person deserves it, you made your bed...    we point them to   

Galatians 6:7 NKJV

7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

Romans 2:6 NKJV

6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds”:

 2. It makes us feel better about ourselves...  like we’ve got it all together or we’re spiritually superior... 

But offering restoration is a little more difficult...     because   that goes against our grain...

APPLICATION: Just as Paul was testing them in what he wrote...     God is testing us in what He wrote... 

Are we going to be obedient in all things...      or     just the things we like or agree with... 

4.2 In What he Did Vs. 10-11 (he gave forgiveness)

Vs.10 - Paul was testing them in light of what he did...   he forgave this man’s sin...   so they should too...

APPLICATION: Forgiveness, as presented in the Bible, is a fundamental aspect of Christian faith. It is deeply intertwined with concepts of grace, love, repentance, and reconciliation.

One of the most vivid pictures of forgiveness in the Bible is the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32).

The younger son squandered his inheritance and lived a life of sin. But when he returned home, his father, instead of punishing him, ran to him, embraced him, and celebrated his return.

This parable, told by Jesus Himself, illustrates the nature of God's forgiveness towards us. It shows that forgiveness is not based on the merit of the one being forgiven, but on the love and grace of the one doing the forgiving.

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches us about forgiveness by saying,

Matthew 6:14–15 NKJV

14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Here, Jesus connects our forgiveness of others to the forgiveness we receive from God.

Ephesians 4:32 NKJV

32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

This is a profound and total forgiveness, one that fully pardons and restores.

And you know, Forgiveness can be hard. It does not deny or diminish the reality of pain or wrong it doesn’t down play it.

When we are hurt, our emotions might urge us to hold onto anger, resentment, or a desire for revenge. In such moments, forgiveness may seem beyond our reach.

But forgiveness, according to the biblical view, is more than an emotion—it is a choice, a decision we make in obedience to God's command and in imitation of His grace. We see this in Jesus' words from the cross...

Luke 22:34 NKJV

34 Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.”

Even in His extreme pain and suffering, Jesus chose forgiveness.

Practically, when we find it hard to forgive, we can do several things:

1. Pray for God's help: God does not command us to do something that He does not empower us to do. Ask Him to help you forgive as you have been forgiven.

2. Recall the forgiveness you have received: Remembering the forgiveness we have received from God can inspire and enable us to extend that same forgiveness to others.

3. Release the person into God's hands: God is just, and He will deal rightly with every person (Romans 12:19). We can trust Him and let go of the urge to make things right by ourselves.

4. Seek reconciliation when possible: Biblical forgiveness seeks restoration and reconciliation. While this is not always possible or appropriate, where it is, we should pursue it, being peacemakers as Jesus calls us to be (Matthew 5:9).

So, forgiveness in the Christian life is a reflection of the forgiveness we have received from God through Jesus Christ.

It is a choice that often goes beyond our emotions, and it may be a process rather than a one-time event. It requires God's help and a constant reflection on His grace and love for us.

Vs. 11 - If we don’t forgive others we open the door for Satan & his devices...  ... 

Because if we’re not willing to forgive others that root of bitterness can spring up in us,

Hebrews 12:15 NKJV

15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

We become angry...  bitter...    &   just flat out nasty...    &    no one wants to be around us... 

ENDING....